BC-India Business Network celebrates 2nd anniversary

THE BC-India Business Network (BCIBN) hosted its 2nd anniversary celebration on December 15 at Vancouver’s Fairmont Waterfront Hotel with Jinny Sims, Minister of Citizens Services, Abhilasha Joshi, Indian Consul General, Randeep Sarai, MP for Surrey Center, Dr. Lane Trotter, President of Langara College, Dr. Alan Davis, President of Kwantlen College, and several other leading businessmen and professionals of B.C.

Sims congratulated the BCIBN on their efforts to promote and enhance trade between B.C. and India. She was very hopeful that with the efforts of the BCIBN and the B.C. Government, trade and business would increase bilaterally.

Joshi thanked the BCIBN for its efforts in improving trade between Canada and India.

Out-going BCIBN President Catherine Sas noted that the organization nearly doubled in membership between 2016 and 2017. Chairman Emeritus Vivek Savkur praised Sas for the great effort she put in developing BCIBN to a position of prominence in B.C. In 2018 the membership is expected to increase further. Savkur spoke of the important events planned for 2018, including.:

Business Awards Night on Friday, April 26.

Trade conference with a delegation from the Goa Chamber of Commerce.

Mega Concert conducted by a Grammy Award winner and famous Indian music conductor with a 100-piece orchestra from Surrey on Friday, July 20 at the SFU Surrey Atrium and on Sunday, July 22 at Surrey’s Holland Park. Some 220,000 persons are expected at the concert. Several Grammy Award winners from other countries are expected to participate.

The Third Grand Diwali Gala will be celebrated on Friday, October 26 at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel’s Ballroom.

Many other events will be planned with federal ministers as and when they come to Vancouver.

To handle the numerous events planned for 2018, BCIBN has expanded its Board of Directors. They also plan to set up a Youth Committee to encourage business organizations to contribute innovative ideas in developing and enhancing trade and commerce with India.

Savkur is set to take over the role of President and CEO of the BCIBN from January 1, 2018.